Ken Jones, president of Wightman Petrie, the Town of Syracuse's engineering firm, discussed the industrial and technology park during the Syracuse Town Council's July meeting Tuesday night.
Jones requested a committee from the council review plans from the park to the infrastructure connections in town and review project estimates. He told the council it should require one meeting lasting about an hour an a half. Council President Paul Stoelting and Councilman Larry Siegel agreed to participate.
Jones reported the offsite improvement design was complete. He suggested an alternative for the water main pipe be included in the bid specifications to help reduce costs.
That alternative would be PVC Water Works Pipe which will reduce labor and material costs. Although the connection to the water lines would be different, Jones said the PVC pipe was just as durable as metal pipe.
While installing infrastructure, directional drilling rather than open trench work will be done. Again Jones told the council he thought PVC pipe could be used in the bid specs.
Money could also be saved by reducing the depth of the sewer by going on the east side of SR 13 while not sacrificing service or capacity.
Jones also addressed some concerns from Town Manager Henry DeJulia on the project design which eliminated curbs, gutter and storm sewer. Those issues were taken care of through zoning. There will be road side swales to handle storm water.
Jones apologized for the misunderstanding regarding the traffic impact study. The TIS was not part of the original contract with Wightman Petrie and it was hard to find that notation in the contract.
"You will see me every month until the project is complete. Until this project is bid, let and under construction, I'm your guy," he promised the council.
Stoelting asked if there would be any problem hitting the March deadline for the Economic Development Administration deadline. Jones said no, the preliminary work should be done well before that.
The council approved the Oakwood Park Annexation Fiscal Plan. Several Oakwood Park residents attended the meeting to show their support. Town Attorney Mike Reed noted there was a tweak in the plan where Ian Rolland, receiver, recommended putting $237,000 in escrow, where originally the plan called for payments to be made over five years.
The council also approved the annexation of Oakwood Park. It was noted the park would be in District 5 and represented by Bill Musser. Rolland thanked the council after its vote.
"It's the culmination of a lot of work. I think the annexation by Syracuse will be a great thing for Syracuse and Oakwood. We consider it a win-win," he said. He also said he thought it was important the majority of the property owners wanted annexation. The annexation will become official within 90 days.
Tom Nizer, Rolland's attorney requested the council's support at the upcoming Board of Zoning meeting. Reed said a letter was already in the works.
"This may be the largest economic development project since Weatherhead came in the '60s plus the cultural impact," said Siegel.
Other reports:
In department reports DeJulia reported the town is working on acquiring two easements. He also told the council the bridge over McConnell/Skinner Ditch has been installed and lights installed. Concrete work on the approaches still needs to be done.
Police Chief Tony Ciriello reported the Fourth of July Celebration went really well. There was a large crowd at Lakeside Park and only one incident resulting in two arrests. Bystanders cheered the police as they led the troublemakers away. SummerFest also went smoothly.
Chad Jonsson, parks superintendent, announced the Kiwanis Tri-Athalon will be Aug. 13. A Civil War Reenactment will be July 29-31 at the Community Center and Lakeside Park.
A drawing of the newest Vega Field plan was presented. There's been discussion with a neighbor to the west regarding a property swap for additional parking. The fence has also been removed.
Jeremy Sponseller, public works superintendent, reported on sidewalk paving. Main Street has been completed.
Other paving projects he would like the street department to tackle include Main Street and Long Drive to the Northshore Drive island for $28,150; Branch Street off of North Huntington for $10,863; stripping for the access roads as well as Long Drive for $6,337; Beach Street for approximately $3,000 for a grand total of $124,451.
Siegel brought up an issue on Northshore Drive while Stoelting stressed doing high traffic areas. Sponseller noted Branch and Beach Streets have been neglected for a long time.
Sponseller asked to spend $14,400 on a well head protection plan. Council approved the expense.
Julie Kline, Clerk Treasurer, reported the new boiler was installed and the state board of accounts was doing its bi-annual audit. |
